Giancarlo Stanton expected to miss at least a month with knee injury

Giancarlo Stanton has played in just nine games this season due to a variety of injuries, and the latest is expected to keep him out for at least a month.

Stanton hurt his knee on a slide during Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone initially expressed optimism that the injury was nothing serious. However, the Yankees announced later in the day that Stanton has been placed on the injured list with a strained PCL, and general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday that they do not expect the slugger to return before August.

Brian Cashman said that Giancarlo Stanton is unlikely to return in July.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 27, 2019

Cashman said “it’s going to be a while” for Stanton, and called August “the sweet spot” to get him back playing again. Anything earlier would be a bonus. https://t.co/JtSGPi8yYs

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 27, 2019

Stanton had looked good at the plate after battling back from calf, biceps and shoulder ailments, so the latest injury is obviously a huge disappointment for him and the team. He just can’t seem to stay healthy, but fortunately the Yankees have played well without him and have a seven-game lead in the AL East. They can afford to take their time with him because of their lineup depth.